5 Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Visit This Fall

Looking for the best small towns in Minnesota to visit this fall? From the rocky North Shore of Lake Superior and the forests of the Northwoods to the St. Croix, Mississippi and Root River valleys, Minnesota offers fall getaways for just about every kind of traveler.

Five towns stand out for their combination of fall colors, scenery, outdoor recreation and things to do: Lanesboro, Grand Marais, Ely, Stillwater and Red Wing.

Each offers a different kind of Minnesota fall getaway. Here’s what each does best—and how to choose the right one for your trip.

Small Town	Best Fall Experience
Lanesboro	Best overall Minnesota fall getaway
Grand Marais	Best North Shore fall town
Ely	Best Northwoods fall escape
Stillwater	Best St. Croix River fall town
Red Wing	Best Mississippi River bluff town

1. Lanesboro: Best Overall Minnesota Fall Getaway

For travelers who want fall colors and plenty to do once they get there, Lanesboro offers one of the most complete fall getaways in Minnesota.

Located in southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country, Lanesboro sits in the Root River Valley surrounded by wooded limestone bluffs that turn shades of red, gold and orange as fall moves across southern Minnesota. The Root River flows through town, the paved Root River State Trail passes through downtown, and the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway follows Highway 16 through the surrounding valleys and countryside.

That gives you plenty of ways to experience the season. Bike beneath tree-covered bluffs along the Root River State Trail. Hike nearby trails and overlooks. Follow the scenic byway through trout-stream valleys, farms and small towns. When river conditions cooperate, paddle the Root River with the fall colors reflected in the water.

Then come back to town.

Lanesboro’s walkable historic downtown puts restaurants, independent shops, galleries, arts and professional live theatre within a few blocks. With hotels, historic inns, vacation rentals and campgrounds nearby, you can build an entire fall weekend around Lanesboro without spending half of it driving between attractions.

Start the morning with coffee and a walk through town. Bike the trail beneath the bluffs. Browse shops and galleries in the afternoon. Have dinner and catch a live performance in the evening. The next morning, head out on Highway 16 for a scenic drive through Bluff Country.

Plenty of places are beautiful in October. Lanesboro gives you something to do inside all that beauty.

Best for: Travelers who want fall colors, biking, scenic drives, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping and arts in one compact destination.

2. Grand Marais: Best North Shore Town for Fall Colors

Grand Marais is one of Minnesota’s quintessential fall destinations, combining Lake Superior scenery with the forests and hills of the North Shore.

Head inland from the harbor along the Gunflint Trail, where maples, birch and aspen bring color to the forests surrounding Grand Marais and the Superior National Forest. Hiking trails and scenic drives offer plenty of ways to spend a fall day outdoors.

Back in town, the harbor, restaurants, galleries, shops and strong arts culture give travelers plenty to explore after leaving the trail. It’s an especially good choice for anyone who wants to combine a classic North Shore road trip with time in a lively Lake Superior town.

Best for: Lake Superior scenery, hiking, scenic drives and a classic North Shore road trip.

3. Ely: Best Northwoods Fall Escape in Minnesota

For a fall getaway built around lakes, forests and wilderness, head north to Ely.

Located at the edge of Boundary Waters country, Ely is surrounded by northern Minnesota forest where birch and aspen turn gold, maples add flashes of red and orange, and spruce and pine stay deep green.

Fall is an ideal time to experience the landscape from the water. Paddle a quiet lake, hike through the surrounding forest or explore scenic routes including the Echo Trail and Fernberg Road.

Back in Ely, outfitters, restaurants, shops, cabins and other lodging make it easy to choose your own level of adventure—from comfortable day trips to a deeper wilderness experience.

Best for: Paddling, hiking, cabins, wilderness and a true Northwoods fall escape.

4. Stillwater: Best St. Croix River Fall Town

Stillwater pairs St. Croix River scenery with one of Minnesota’s most active historic downtowns.

Wooded hillsides rise around the river, creating a colorful backdrop for walking, biking and sightseeing. Visitors can explore the St. Croix River Loop Trail, take a fall river cruise or head out on the St. Croix Scenic Byway to see more of the surrounding valley.

Stillwater also offers plenty to do after taking in the colors. Its historic downtown is packed with independent shops, restaurants, bars and lodging along the riverfront, while nearby orchards add another classic Minnesota fall experience.

Its proximity to the Twin Cities also makes Stillwater one of the easiest fall escapes for travelers who want plenty to do without going far from the metro.

Best for: St. Croix River scenery, shopping, dining and an easy fall getaway from the Twin Cities.

5. Red Wing: Best Mississippi River Fall Town

Red Wing offers one of Minnesota’s most dramatic combinations of river scenery, wooded bluffs and historic downtown atmosphere.

The Mississippi River winds past town beneath steep limestone bluffs, while He Mni Can–Barn Bluff rises directly beside the city and offers sweeping views across the river valley.

Red Wing also makes a strong starting point for a fall drive. Highway 61 follows the Mississippi through wooded hillsides, overlooks and river communities, while the surrounding countryside adds orchards and rolling farmland to the landscape.

After a hike or drive, Red Wing’s downtown offers restaurants, independent shops, public art and riverfront spaces within a walkable core.

Best for: Mississippi River views, bluff hiking, scenic drives and historic downtown atmosphere.

When Is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in Minnesota?

There isn’t one perfect weekend for fall colors across Minnesota.

The season generally moves from north to south. Northern destinations such as Ely typically begin changing earlier, while southeastern Minnesota and Bluff Country usually come into color later in the season. The North Shore can have its own progression because elevation, proximity to Lake Superior and different tree species affect when colors appear.

Weather also matters. Temperature, rainfall, drought, sunshine and early freezes can all influence the timing and intensity of fall colors.

For the most useful trip planning, check the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder close to your travel dates. It tracks reported color progression across the state, while future dates on the map show typical historical color rather than a forecast for the current year.

In other words, don’t chase one supposed “peak weekend.”

Chase the color.

Which Minnesota Fall Town Should You Visit?

The best destination depends on the kind of fall trip you want.

Choose Grand Marais for Lake Superior and the North Shore.

Choose Ely for wilderness, lakes and Northwoods scenery.

Choose Stillwater for the St. Croix River, dining and shopping close to the Twin Cities.

Choose Red Wing for Mississippi River bluffs and scenic drives.

Choose Lanesboro when you want a little bit of everything.

In Lanesboro, you can wake up in the Root River Valley, bike beneath limestone bluffs, wander downtown, head out on a scenic fall drive, browse shops and galleries, sit down for dinner and catch professional live theatre—all without spending your entire getaway in the car.

That combination is what makes Lanesboro stand out among Minnesota’s best small towns to visit in fall.

Minnesota Fall Getaway FAQs

What is the best small town in Minnesota to visit in the fall?

For travelers looking for a combination of fall scenery, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping, arts and a walkable small-town atmosphere, Lanesboro is one of Minnesota’s best all-around fall destinations. Grand Marais stands out for the North Shore, Ely for wilderness, Stillwater for the St. Croix River and Red Wing for Mississippi River scenery.

Where are the best fall colors in Minnesota?

Some of Minnesota’s best fall-color regions include the North Shore, Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters region, St. Croix River Valley, Mississippi River Valley and southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country. Because fall colors progress across the state over several weeks, the best destination depends partly on when you plan to visit.

When do fall colors peak in Minnesota?

Fall colors generally progress from northern Minnesota toward the southern part of the state, but exact timing varies every year with weather and local conditions. Travelers should check the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder near their travel dates rather than relying on a fixed peak-color weekend.

What are the best places to see fall colors in southern Minnesota?

Southeastern Minnesota’s river valleys, hardwood forests and limestone bluffs make the region especially scenic in fall. Lanesboro and the Root River Valley, the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway, Red Wing and the Mississippi River Valley are all strong destinations for southern Minnesota fall colors.

Plan a Fall Getaway to Lanesboro

Fall in Lanesboro can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be. Ride the Root River State Trail, explore Bluff Country, browse downtown shops and galleries, catch a live performance, find a great meal and settle in for a night—or make a full weekend of it.

Explore places to stay, things to do, dining, shopping and upcoming events as you plan your fall trip to Lanesboro & Whalan, Minnesota.

It’s not simply a place to see fall colors. It’s a place to spend the season inside them.